A boiler that's lost pressure, won't fire up, or hasn't been checked in years needs proper attention. We diagnose the fault, get it running safely again or advise when a replacement makes sense. Annual services keep your heating reliable and often satisfy manufacturer warranties.
Bath's Georgian and Victorian properties are beautiful and solid, but their heating systems face real challenges. Many have boilers tucked into kitchens or cupboards, with flues running up external walls exposed to the damp; others are in cellars where condensation is constant. The flue condensate freezes in winter on exposed runs, and water finds its way back to the boiler if the pipe isn't pitched right.
Hard water is another factor here. The chalky water that feeds your heating slowly loads the boiler's heat exchanger with scale. By year five or six, a boiler that once fired instantly begins to labour. Pressure drops, the pump works harder, and eventually it fails.
A regular service catches these problems early. We clean the heat exchanger, check the flue for blockages, test the controls and replace parts before they break. It costs far less than an emergency callout on a cold Sunday morning.
The boiler is often high up in the house with a flue running up the outside wall. Damp and frost affect exposed flues, and the long run means water sits in the pipe. We check for blockages, re-pitch the condensate drain and clean the flue terminal so it runs freely.
A boiler in a basement faces constant moisture. We clean the heat exchanger, clear blockages in the condensate trap and check the flue terminal is above ground level, so water doesn't run back into the boiler. A service here is especially important.
Newer boilers are more reliable, but they still need an annual check. We flush the system, test all sensors, replace the boiler filter and make sure the pump is running at the right speed. A service here is preventative and keeps the warranty alive.
We listen to what's happening (or not), check the boiler on the outside and inside, run the controls through their cycle and test gas tightness. If it's a repair, we tell you what's wrong and the cost before we start. If it's a service, we clean, replace the filter, test everything and give you a report to keep for your records.
Tell us what the boiler is doing (or not doing). For a service, just book a time that suits you.
We check the boiler visually, run it through its cycles, test the pressure and controls. We also look at the flue, the condensate trap and any visible pipework.
For a repair, we tell you the fault and the cost. For a service, the price is fixed. You decide whether to go ahead before we touch anything.
We clean the heat exchanger, replace any worn parts, top up the inhibitor, clear blockages and test every control. We leave the boiler running safely.
We give you a detailed service or repair report, and register the work if it's covered by a warranty or insurance claim.
A new thermostat or a pressure valve is straightforward. But a boiler that's lost pressure or won't fire up often has a root cause we need to find first — and fixing that determines what the bill comes to.
A broken motorised valve is cheaper than a leaking primary heat exchanger. We always tell you the part cost and the labour before we start.
Parts for a 15-year-old boiler may cost more or take longer to source. A newer model usually has parts in stock.
If the boiler is nearing the end of its life and the repair is expensive, we'll tell you honestly. Sometimes a new boiler over five years costs less than repeated repairs.
A service that catches a worn part early costs less than waiting for it to fail during the heating season.
We give you the repair price before we start. No surprises when the invoice comes.
Bath's streets are narrow and on steep hills. Parking is tight, especially in the city centre and conservation areas where loading restrictions apply. When you book, let us know where the boiler is — kitchen, cellar, airing cupboard, loft — and whether there's off-street parking nearby or a loading area we can use. We'll plan the visit around your street and any restrictions.
Many properties are listed or in conservation zones; we check that our work won't need listed-building consent before we start. If it does, we tell you straight away.
Not listed? Tell us your postcode and we'll confirm if we can get to you on the day.
We recommend an annual service, ideally before winter starts. A yearly check keeps your boiler running safely and efficiently, and most manufacturers require one to keep the warranty valid. If your boiler hasn't been serviced in the last 12 months, it's time to book in.
A repair fixes something that's broken — a leaking valve, a failed control, or a boiler that won't fire. A service is preventative: we clean the heat exchanger, replace the filter, test all the controls and check the flue and condensate trap are clear. A service costs less than an emergency repair on a Sunday morning.
Pressure drops when there's a small leak in the system, usually at a valve or connection. Hard water in Bath can also cause micro-leaks over time. We find where the leak is, fix it, top up the pressure and add inhibitor to protect the system. If pressure keeps dropping, the heat exchanger may be weeping internally, which usually means replacement.
It depends on the fault. A new thermostat or valve is usually worth doing. But if the heat exchanger is corroded or the pump is failing, a repair can cost £400–600 and the boiler might fail again next winter. We'll tell you honestly whether a repair or replacement makes sense for your situation.
Sometimes. Banging or whistling often means sludge in the pipes or air in the system, which a service and powerflush can fix. A kettling sound inside the boiler suggests scale on the heat exchanger, which we clean during a service. If the noise persists after a service, it usually means a part is failing and needs replacement.
Yes. We offer same-day callouts across Bath and there's no callout charge, even if it's a simple fault. Call {phone} or book online and we'll fit you in as soon as we can. For emergencies outside working hours, our 24/7 service is available.
Tell us what's happening with your boiler or request a routine service. We'll give you a time that suits you and arrive ready to diagnose and fix.
Tradesway